Schwer faces tough title challenge

Luton's Billy Schwer could be in for a tough time when he challenges Newton Villareal for the IBO world light-welterweight title at Wembley Conference Centre.  

Villareal's only British appearance, against Midlander Chris Barnett at Brentwood last August, lasted less than three rounds.

Ray Farrell, Barnett's trainer, had a close-up view of the big-punching Colombian.

"Billy's in for a hard first fight as a light-welter," said Farrell.

"Villareal has great power and is a giant 10 stone fighter.

"By the time he gets in the ring he will be about 10st 12lbs and a puncher at that!

"He stands and waits for you to come to him. Chris can take a punch and give one but his blows just bounced off Villareal"

Farrell, currently preparing Michael Brodie for his return with American Willey Jorrin for the WBC super-bantamweight title on June 1 added: "Villareal may be disorganised under pressure, but his reach enables him to punch at long distance".

The South American, 29, has secured 16 of his 18 victories inside the distance, with just two losses.

Schwer, 32 next Thursday and who made three abortive world title attempts at lightweight, against Rafell Ruelas (IBF), Steve Johnston (WBC) and Colin Dunne (WBU), has gained 38 wins, with 30 of them stoppages, against five losses.